Francois Simon, 53, is a French food critic known for his witty and entertaining restaurant reviews. He has a weekly column in French daily Le Figaro, a popular television show (La Chronique de François Simon) in which he makes dry remarks into a hidden camera and microphone while trying out various restaurants, and his books include "Comment se faire passer pour un critique gastronomique sans rien y connaître" (or "How to Pass for a Food Critic Without Knowing Anything About Food").

He hates overpriced fussy dishes and waiters with an attitude, and he champions chefs willing to take risks. As ...

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